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News

Take The Bite Out Of WinterWhen Old Man Winter comes knocking; let Bridgestone Blizzak tires do the talking

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 21, 2009) Sometimes winter just bites. However, when sure-footed traction is needed, tackle wintry conditions with Bridgestone Americas, the company offering the most comprehensive winter tire range in North America.

This season, two new tires are being added to the Bridgestone Blizzak tire line: the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 and LM-60. These tires are suited for vehicles ranging from light trucks and SUVs to sports cars and sedans.

Last winter was brutal for many parts of the United States and Canada, said John Baratta, President, Replacement Tire Sales, U.S. & Canada Consumer Tire Sales division, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO). Preparation is key and when winter conditions are severe, snow and ice tires are a must. By expanding the Bridgestone Blizzak tire line with these new products, were making it possible for more drivers to equip their vehicles with a dedicated winter tire, Baratta continued.

The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 will be available in 46 R-speed-rated sizes ranging from 15-22 and 75-45 series. Replacing the DM-Z3, the DM-V1 features Bridgestones proprietary Nano-Pro-Tech rubber compound and Multicell technology to disperse surface water and improve grip. A directional tread pattern and 3-D sipes enhance dry performance and continuous lug design and Center Multi-Z tread grooves in the DM-V1 increase traction in the snow and ice.

Designed in response to unique road conditions in the United States and Canada, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 incorporates continuous lugs and zigzag sipes to improve snow and ice traction. Circumferential grooves channel water out of the tires footprint area to resist hydroplaning and a directional tread pattern and 3-D sipes enhance dry performance of the LM-60.

Available in 34 H-speed rated sizes from 17-20 in the 60-35 series, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 consolidates existing Blizzak tires into one H-rated tire line. This consolidation includes the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-18, LM-22, and the LM-25.

Winter tires offer peace of mind. In fact, in an effort to protect the motoring public, last year the Transport Authority in Quebec (Canada) issued a mandate outlawing the use of anything but winter tires from mid-November through mid-April. As with any purpose-built winter tire, the Bridgetone Blizzak should only be used during the winter season. During other seasons, drivers should use conventional tires.

For high-resolution images of the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 and the LM-60 please reference:
http://www.bridgestoneamericas.com/corporate/news/releaseimages/BlizzakDM-V1.jpg or
http://www.bridgestoneamericas.com/corporate/news/releaseimages/BlizzakLM-60.jpg.

About Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is a business unit of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. Reporting into the BATO business unit are the company's Latin American tire operations, the U.S. and Canadian consumer tire businesses and the U.S. and Canadian commercial tire businesses. BATO develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The business unit is focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in the Americas. In addition, through its Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions unit, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing them with a total tire solution.